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Did the U.S. Government Hide Health Risks? East Palestine’s Fight for Transparency

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East Palestine Train Derailment: Allegations of Cover-Up and Health Concerns

In February 2023, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, released toxic vinyl chloride into the air and water, leading to widespread environmental concerns and resident anxieties. New allegations have surfaced, suggesting a potential cover-up regarding the health impacts of the incident, specifically the risk of “cancer clusters.”

Need to Know:

  • The Event: A train derailment in East Palestine released toxic vinyl chloride, causing environmental damage and health fears.
  • Allegations: The Biden administration allegedly discussed internally whether to release a report detailing the possibility of “cancer clusters” resulting from the derailment.
  • FEMA Involvement: FEMA documents obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request indicate coordination between multiple agencies, including the White House and the National Security Council, regarding health concerns.
  • Unmet Needs Report: A report assessing the damage to the community, created by FEMA executive Jim McPherson, was allegedly never released to the public.
  • Resident Concerns: Residents of East Palestine express frustration and distrust in the government’s handling of the situation and communication with the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • Transparency Issues: The allegations suggest a lack of transparency from the government regarding potential health risks following the derailment.
  • Health Concerns: The internal discussions about “cancer clusters” highlight significant health concerns for the residents of East Palestine.
  • Government Response: The alleged internal discussions and withheld reports raise questions about the government’s response and communication strategy in the aftermath of the disaster.
  • Resident Distrust: Residents feel they are not receiving full information and that their concerns are not being adequately addressed.

Implications for American Culture and the Environment:

Public trust is significantly undermined when allegations suggest the government concealed health risks during environmental disasters. Such incidents, like the one in East Palestine, often trigger intensified examination of environmental regulations and the transportation of hazardous substances. The long-term health impacts on the local community could lead to substantial social and economic challenges. Trusted media outlets play a vital role in ensuring accountability and raising public awareness through its reporting. Consequently, these events often enter political discourse, shaping public views and influencing policy debates.

NABJ Member Lawsuit Raises Concerns About Press Freedom

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NABJ Member’s Lawsuit in Ohio Arrest Continues to Raise Concerns About Press Freedom

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has been outspoken in recent years about a surge in efforts to suppress press freedom. We issue this statement to once again implore all federal government, state, county, and city officials and authorities to uphold the First Amendment. A journalist should never be hindered from seeking the truth and reporting it.

Recently, and unfortunately, our member Evan Lambert, a respected D.C.-based News Nation reporter, has had to file a lawsuit after being pushed to the ground and arrested by local authorities in East Palestine, Ohio — simply for doing his job and reporting live from Gov. Mike DeWine’s February news conference.

Lambert’s lawsuit alleges that Columbiana County, Ohio, the city of East Palestine, and five law enforcement members violated his rights under the U.S. Constitution as well as state law. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, states that those violations were the results of “inadequate policies, inadequate training, and the personal participation of key policymaking officials in the decision to arrest and charge Lambert for his newsgathering.”

“A lawsuit should never be required in order to foster a safer environment for journalists in our communities,” said NABJ President Ken Lemon and past Chair of the Black Male Media Project. “In a time where reporters are being harassed in their press gear and Black men continue to be harmed at the hands of police, the imagery of Evan being pushed, handcuffed, and placed in a cruiser while working in a professional, harmless capacity is still disturbing.”

In February, NABJ called for:

  • A public apology with outlined steps local authorities would take to ensure this happens to no other journalists.
  • An explanation as to why Lambert was the only reporter arrested when other journalists were on site.
  • Information and details about when and if the charges would be dropped against Lambert.

After Lambert’s arrest, Gov. Mike DeWine ultimately urged prosecutors to drop the charges, saying that Lambert had every right to cover the news conference. The governor also made it clear that he had not authorized anyone to prohibit live shots or remove Lambert from conducting one.

We will remain watchful as fellow journalists and NABJ members are still concerned about their safety and having safe spaces that will allow them to do their jobs freely.

NABJ Parliamentarian Sia Nyorkor, who is also a reporter in Cleveland, witnessed, recorded and posted what happened to Lambert. She said it was disturbing to experience the incident firsthand as a veteran reporter who knows the importance of telling stories in the community and being present as a Black journalist.

“Every effort should be made so that it won’t happen again in such venues across the country,” Nyorkor said. “We must continue to bring attention to such an abuse of journalistic rights. A lack of respect for press freedom is also a lack of respect for the citizens who deserve to hear and see the facts.”

Read NABJ’s initial statement on this matter here: https://nabjonline.org/blog/nabj-calls-for-charges-to-be-dropped-against-evan-lambert/.